Lower body lift, How do I get ready for it? Planning on getting this done first quarter of next year.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding how to prepare for a lower body lift. Congratulations on your 120-pound weight loss—that is an incredible achievement! Since you are planning to have your surgery in the first quarter of next year, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

You are absolutely right that finding the right surgeon is the first step. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring after major weight loss. Since you want to schedule surgery one month after your consultation, I suggest booking consultations at least 3 to 4 months before your desired surgery date—meaning you should start consulting now. Many experienced plastic surgeons have a waitlist of several months, so it’s best to secure your ideal timeline early.

Yes, you will likely need medical clearance from your primary care physician, especially since a lower body lift is an extensive surgery. Your surgeon may also require additional tests such as lab work (CBC, metabolic panel), an EKG or chest X-ray (for patients over 40 or with medical conditions), and a nutritional assessment to check protein, iron, and vitamin levels. Weight stability is also crucial, so aim to keep your weight steady before surgery.

Optimizing your health before surgery will greatly improve your recovery. I recommend increasing protein intake to at least 100g per day to support healing, along with taking vitamin C, zinc, and iron if recommended by your doctor. It’s also important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for at least 4-6 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications. Staying active with regular walks or light strength training will also help maintain circulation and muscle tone, which is beneficial for recovery.

You are already ahead with a recliner, walker, and leg massagers—great choices! Additional helpful items include compression garments (your surgeon will provide guidance on sizing and duration), extra pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your legs elevated and reduce swelling, and loose, front-zip clothing for easy dressing. Meal prepping and stocking up on protein shakes can also make post-op nutrition easier. Having a raised toilet seat, wipes, and a shower chair will make using the bathroom more comfortable. Lastly, arranging for help from a friend or family member for at least the first 1-2 weeks is highly recommended, as mobility will be limited during the initial healing period.

Since you want surgery by March or April, I suggest starting consultations now and booking your surgery by January or early February to allow time for pre-op clearance and preparation. You are on the right track with your planning! Keep your weight stable, boost your protein intake, get your medical clearance, and choose a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed at least 100 lower body lifts with documented results. Best of luck with your transformation!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS

Congratulations on your weight loss! It sounds like you’re very
motivated to have your body lift done. The first step is to consult with a board-certified
plastic surgeon who has considerable experience performing lower body lifts.
Your surgeon can discuss what medical preparation is necessary, including if a
physical checkup is needed from your primary care physician. For surgery in
March or April, you should have a consultation very soon. For your recovery,
stock the fridge or freezer with healthy meals prior to your surgery so you
won’t have to worry about food prep while you heal. Arrange for help around
your house during the first week of recovery. Moral support and help with
common household tasks will make a big difference during the initial healing
stage. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your question.  You have a good start regarding equipment you will need after surgery; a toilet riser may be helpful to prevent tension on incisions. The other important aspect is finding your support team after surgery to help with your recovery. Find positive people who can assist you in that first week after surgery. You may or may not need medical clearance depending on your age and what the criteria is from your surgeon or the surgical facility he/she operates from. Some of my patients go for a full workup for their own peace of mind. You may want to do this since you have a definite time frame for your planned surgery and don't want a delay due to unforseen  medical concerns. ( ie. anemia). Lastly, looking at board certified plastic surgeons and their websites, photo galleries and reviews will further give you insight into the right surgeon for you. Wishing you all the best in your journey.

Thanks for your question. You are on the right track but the most important thing is to find the right surgeon who is experienced in plastic surgery after weight loss or body lift surgery.  Although, all board certified plastic surgeons perform plastic surgery after weight loss, the lower body is probably the most involved and complex plastic surgery and thus you will need to go with a plastic surgeon who performs them routinely in his/her practice.  You also need to appreciate the difference between a circumferential abdominoplasty, belt lipectomy, and a lower body lift.  Although some plastic surgeons will call a belt lipectomy a lower body lift, it my practice the latter is far more comprehensive and it includes: tummy tuck, monsplasty, outer thigh lift, waist skin excision, buttock lift, buttock augmentation with lower back tissue, and liposuction.  Plastic surgery after weight loss is becoming a specialized field and many techniques have been developed recently by us and others.  Once you have selected your plastic surgeon, he or she will tell you what you need to do. A few important items in my practice are:1) Surgical clearence from your primary care physician2) Lab tests, including assessment of nutritional deficiency if you have had weight loss surgery3) Nutritional supplementationTo learn more about preparation for body lift surgery, please visit our website below. Best of luck.

It sounds to me like you are all set. Be sure and see 2-3 consultants and be realistic in your scheduling. Many surgeons are booked out further than one month so it's fine to start talking to doctors now in preparation for March surgery.